The Government has confirmed this morning that Greater Manchester’s drivers will not be subject to a clean air charging zone
Instead the Government has announced that the area is set to benefit instead from 117 new lower and zero-emission buses in a £86 million scheme to help clean up the region’s air
Today’s decision rules out a Clean Air Zone in Manchester so motorists will not be charged to drive into the area said the Government
The region will receive £51m towards bus investment, including 40 zero emission buses, 77 Euro VI standard buses and charging infrastructure,£5m for local traffic management measures and £8 million to support moving Greater Manchester’s taxi fleet to cleaner vehicles
There will be Up to £21.9m for administration, delivery, monitoring and other associated costs and local leaders have also been told they can review and cancel contracts relating to the Clean Air Zone, such as signs and cameras.
Air Quality Minister Emma Hardy said:
Air pollution is damaging people’s health and the environment. Its impacts are felt more by low-income communities, making health and social inequalities worse.
To improve our health, wellbeing and the environment, we must improve air quality. Local authorities know their communities well and so they need to develop plans that are most effective for their local area, and I am pleased that Greater Manchester has found a clear way to reduce emissions without the need to charge motorists.
I look forward to working with the teams across Greater Manchester as they put this important plan in place. Government will continue to take the action needed to ensure everyone has safe air to breathe across the nation.
Mayor Andy Burnham said
“We are pleased the Government has accepted GM’s investment-led approach to clean air.Because of our success in delivering the Bee Network on time and on budget, we will not be required to introduce a charging zone.”
